G13.3.4 Death-Injury Notifications
Chapter: Chapter 13 – Investigative Services
Sub-Chapter: 13.3 - Crime Victim Services
Effective Date: 07/31/2019
Revised Date: 01/26/2024
Rescinds: G11.1.8 – 7/31/2020
Purpose
To describe the procedures the Indiana University Police Department (IUPD) will follow when conducting next of kin notification for a deceased, seriously injured, or seriously ill individual.
General Order
Whenever possible, the IUPD will make appropriate and timely notification to the next of kin of any person that is deceased or who suffers a serious injury or serious illness. The information provided will include only readily available, verified, and pertinent information. All death notifications will be delivered in person. Depending on the seriousness of the situation or other pertinent circumstances, serious injury or serious illness notification may be conducted in person or by telephone.
Death/Injury Notifications
The IUPD may receive requests to notify a campus community member of a death, serious injury, or serious illness. When a request to make such a notification is received, the request will be verified and enough pertinent information will be obtained to confirm that the circumstances are legitimate. The essential details surrounding a person’s death, injury, or illness will be gathered and organized before next of kin are notified. Care will be exercised to avoid broadcasting information concerning the notification over the radio channel and will be conveyed using other forms of communication.
When the IUPD responds to an incident where death, serious injury, or serious illness has occurred within the IUPD’s legal jurisdiction, the IUPD will ensure the next of kin notification is made. Depending on the circumstances, the next of kin notification may be delivered by medical personnel or other authorities. For incidents involving the death of a person, the IUPD may coordinate with the local coroner’s office and defer next of kin notification be made by the coroner’s office (in accordance with the coroner’s office procedures).
Prior to contacting next of kin, IUPD personnel will ensure the decedent, injured, or ill has been positively identified. In addition, IUPD personnel will gather all confirmed and relevant information which may include, but is not limited to:
- Nature, time, and location of incident,
- Current location of the decedent, injured, or ill, and
- Name and contact information of the assigned investigator.
All death notifications will be delivered in person. When possible, at least one other person should accompany the IUPD employee who is delivering the death notification. If next of kin is located in another state or locality, the IUPD will contact the appropriate law enforcement agency and request that they deliver the notification in person to the next of kin, and that they provide timely verification when the notification has been completed.
Related Information
Indiana University Police Department
- G9.2.10 Consular Notification and Access
- G10.2.1 Collision Reporting and Investigation